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Hebron council holds public hearing on rezoning for proposed Microsoft data center; annexation, power and road plans discussed
Summary
At a June 12 public hearing, Hebron officials reviewed applications to rezone roughly 130.9 acres to M1 (Manufacturing-1) to accommodate a proposed Microsoft data center; discussion focused on annexation, a company substation and Canyon Road improvements. No council vote was taken.
On June 12, 2024, the Village of Hebron held a public hearing to consider zoning amendments that would reclassify roughly 130.9 acres to M1 (Manufacturing-1) zoning to accommodate a proposed data center, officials said.
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended the proposed amendments be granted as presented. Two specific parcels were named in the hearing record: 323 N. High Street (proposed to change from Agriculture to M1) and 129 N. High Street (proposed to consolidate M1, R-4 and R-1 designations into M1). The record notes the parcels are being annexed into the village.
Tyler Riegle, senior land development representative from Shaker Heights, Ohio, introduced the project team and said he was available to answer questions. He noted that data centers were recently added to the village’s M1 zoning district.
Councilmember Annelle Porter asked whether American Electric Power would build a new substation near the proposed site. Riegle said two high-voltage lines run from the existing substation and that substation will continue to serve the village; he said Microsoft plans to build a separate substation to meet the project’s power needs. Economic & Community Development Director Brittany Misner said significant preparatory work has been completed and emphasized the desire to ensure community comfort with moving forward.
Councilmember Andrea Chapman asked about the annexation process. Mayor Valerie Mockus described the filing as an expedited Type II annexation and said the village will 'share' Microsoft with the township because the municipal boundary lines will not be conformed; Misner added that two property owners control the roughly 130.9 acres that will be annexed so the full area will be placed inside the village. On transportation, Porter asked how far Canyon Road widening and extension will reach; Riegle said the widening will extend to the village boundary and Canyon Road will be extended south to U.S. 40.
No members of the public offered comments during the hearing. The council did not take a vote on the rezoning at this meeting. Council President Randy Wolf moved to adjourn at 5:14 p.m.; Councilmember Stacy Stoner seconded and a roll call vote showed all councilmembers present voting in favor.
The Planning & Zoning Board’s recommendation and the annexation paperwork remain the immediate next steps recorded in the hearing; the record does not show a council decision on the rezoning at this session.
